Ophthalmology

Ophthalmologists diagnose, medically and surgically manage, and prevent disorders of the eyes and visual system. Conditions commonly treated by Ophthalmologists include retinal disease, glaucoma, neuro-ophthalmology, lacrimal and orbital disease, ocular inflammatory disorders and corneal disease.

Clinical Practice

Ophthalmologists provide care within both public and private health care services, and may work within a variety of clinical settings, including surgical, emergency, outpatients and community care. Ophthalmologists will often work collaboratively with other health professionals, particularly in the case of chronic eye diseases.

Ophthalmology – Information

Number of specialists - QLD (2021)

Number of new fellows - QLD

Number of specialists - AUS (2021)

Number of new fellows - AUS

Average weekly hours
QLD

Average Age
QLD

% Aged 60+
QLD

44% of 2022 workforce intend to retire by 2032

Proportion Female/Male - QLD

Male
Female

Location - QLD

Regional
Major cities

Public/Private QLD

Private
Public

Number of trainees - QLD

Number of new trainees - QLD

Number of trainees - AUS

Number of new trainees - AUS

Proportion Female/Male trainees - QLD

Female
Male

2023 QLD Training Program Selections (First Year)

Eligible Applications Received
Applicants Selected

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications*

The data was sourced from the relevant medical specialist college, or from selection committees coordinated by a Queensland Health pathway/network, or an individual facility.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This data reflects a point in time figure for the selection of applicants commencing the first year of an accredited training program in the 2023 clinical year.

* eligible applications are determined by selection committees according to the eligibility criteria and required documentation prescribed by the relevant medical specialist college.

The data on this page compares the number of applicants that were selected to commence their first year of training in Queensland in 2023 to the total number of eligible applications.

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Length of Training

5 years full-time (2 years basic training, 2 years advanced training, 1 final year training)

Method of Allocation

College-selected trainees may be allocated to a training post by:

  • College
  • Queensland Health pathway/network (centrally coordinated)
  • Queensland Health facility (accredited for training)

Training and assessment summary

For detailed information in relation to training and assessment requirements, please contact RANZCO.

Training program overview

Ophthalmology training is undertaken across three stages - basic, advanced and final year training combining learning strategies based on the College's curriculum standards. The objective of the vocational training program is to produce a specialist ophalmologist who can undertake safe, unsupervised and comprehensive general ophthalmological practice. Further training and experience is required for trainees to develop an area of special interest. Upon completion of all requirements of the training program, trainees may apply for admission to Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (FRANZCO).

Eligibility

Applicants must hold full medical registration, citizenship or permanent resident status of Australia or New Zealand and have completed a minimum of 2 years of postgraduate pre-vocational experience including a minimum of 18 months of broad experience in medical, clinical and surgical settings other than ophthalmology.

Flexibility

Allowed. Training must be completed within 12 years.

Interrupted training

Allowed however periods of interrupted training must be taken in 3-month blocks. Any trainee exceeding 12 weeks of leave in a training year is required to make up this deficit with additional training time and will need to demonstrate currency of skills before returning to active training.

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Regional Training Pathways